Picture: Karen Schaefer/ Heart FM News

Cape Town’s political head for Safety and Security, JP Smith, has downplayed requests for the Metro to be declared a local state of disaster.

The Patriotic Alliance Caucus made this call amid surging gang violence in the City.

The party submitted its request to council, which has, since, been sent to the office of Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis for consideration.

Smith says the PA is barking up the wrong tree.